subject: Getting Back To Exercise After A Tummy Tuck [print this page] Exercise will probably be the last thing you think about after a tummy tuck. Your body will need some time to heal and the last thing you want to do is put any extra stress on the incisions. The best way to determine if you are ready to get back to your routine is by talking with your physician. However there are some guiding principles that will dictate how much you can do and when.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia that you use will determine how those first couple of days will go. If you have general anesthesia, you will feel groggy and sleepy immediately following the procedure. As it wears off, it is not uncommon to experience some type of nausea. It will be necessary for someone to take you to the operation and back home when everything is complete. Choosing to use a local anesthetic and sedatives is not as popular an option as it is difficult to stay still and allow the procedure to be completed.
The First Few Days After a Tummy Tuck
Once home, it may seem like exercise and strain just to get up to go to the bathroom or head into the kitchen for a snack. If possible, allow someone else to take care of you and fix all of your meals while you recover from your tummy tuck. While walking short distances will be okay over the next few days, it is important to listen to your body. The moment that you feel pain or discomfort, stop immediately and go back to resting.
The drain will also prevent you from doing too much the first few days. It is put into place to draw fluid away from the incision in order to prevent infection and other complications. Within the first seven to ten days, expect to head back into the office to have the sutures removed. At this point, things will become a little easier.
The Next Few Weeks
The next few weeks, expect to spend most of your time in compression garments. The more you wear them, the better off your body will be. They are meant to prevent swelling and bruising and encourage your body to heal. Over the next few weeks, you should begin to feel stronger and be able to handle more activities. Your body is still probably not ready to take on a full workout but you can start walking to help get back into your routine.
Up to Six Weeks
As your body continues to heal, keep things easy. You don't want to do anything that would damage the abdomen and create tummy tuck complications. After the six weeks are up, begin going back to your gym or work out with a personal trainer. If you begin to experience any discomfort or you are running into problems, don't hesitate to make an appointment with your plastic surgeon.
